As the July 31, 2025 deadline for CAF Confederation Cup registration looms, a brewing financial standoff threatens the participation of two Nigerian clubs—Abia Warriors and Kwara United—due to unresolved debts and club licensing issues.
John Obuh, the Chairman of Abia Warriors FC and a former head coach of Kwara United, has reportedly refused to pay outstanding salaries owed to former Abia Warriors players unless Kwara United settles a ₦2 million debt still owed to him.
Read Also: Growing List of Nigerian Athletes Currently Serving Anti-Doping Bans, A Growing Concern
The amount is the remaining balance of a ₦10.45 million compensation package awarded to Obuh by the Nigeria Football Federation’s Players’ Status Arbitration Committee (NFF PSAC).
According to FIFA-licensed football agent, Mr. Eddie Iseri Ogbemudia, Obuh is holding firm on his stance.
Coach Obuh made it clear in his conversation with the players’ representative that Kwara United is yet to clear his own entitlements and Abia Warriors is not the only club indebted to his former employees.
” His position is that he can’t be forced to comply with NFF rulings while others flout them without consequence, as Kwara United just like Abia Warriors fielded newly registered players during the season as against the PSAC orders ” Ogbemudia told Sports247.
Reports indicate that Kwara United has already paid over ₦8 million of the debt, leaving a ₦2 million balance yet to be cleared.
However, Abia Warriors are also in murky waters. The Umuahia-based club is reportedly owing its former players a combined ₦26.15 million, of which only ₦6 million has been paid.
The NFF PSAC had directed Abia Warriors to settle the following outstanding amounts:
1. Ikedinachi Nwakanma – ₦4 million
2. Alegbe Victor – ₦5 million
3. Obinna Julius – ₦3 million
4. Imoh Azuibuike – ₦3.15 million
5. Igweuzo Igwe Nnamdi – ₦6 million
6. Aloma Idris Sule – ₦5 million
We gathered that Obuh’s major grouse has to do with the NFF’s selective enforcement of PSAC decisions.
The current deadlock has sparked concern among stakeholders, particularly with CAF’s strict club licensing requirements, which mandate that clubs must have no outstanding payments to players, coaches, or staff to gain eligibility for continental competitions.
Abia Warriors earned their Confederation Cup ticket by finishing third in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, while Kwara United secured theirs by winning the 2025 President Federation Cup.
If neither club resolves their respective debts before the CAF registration deadline, both risk being disqualified from representing Nigeria in the upcoming continental campaign.
The situation remains fluid as the NFF, affected parties, and CAF officials monitor developments closely in the countdown to July 31.
